What is the right approach to someone who is in great depression?

I have clinical depression, I was diagnozed in 2002 with it, I am in long term therapy and I am on anti-depressants, I would love a friend like you to come and see me, sometimes just saying nothing and being there is all that you can do for her, she will appreciate you being around, you have a warm heart, you are caring, just be there for her and listen to her. You will be a great support to her, even if you feel helpless, she needs time and good friends around her like you.

She's the only one who can cure herself. Sometimes depression eats the life out of you that even if lots of people are saying good stuffs, you can't hear them or you just don't seem to mind. But it is important to get visitors from friends and be with her family always and assure the person that you will always be there no matter what happens. If her family is caring, then she might overcome it. Maybe she needs a vacation or a retreat that will make her guilt go away. It's the guilt that burdens her. By the way, what made her do such a thing?

I think the best thing you can do is listen and not criticize. She needs to talk it out and express her feelings. She probably felt trapped and frightened before the abortion and now can't understand why she feels worse than ever. Later on (like days or weeks), when she is ready, you can talk with her about why she got into this situation and how to never repeat it. Mostly, just listen and let her know that you still are her friend. I saw that someone suggested a priest and that is also a good idea as she will probably feel the need for forgiveness from God. Once she asks God to forgive her, He will but she won't feel forgiven for a very long time if ever. Just listen to her and hug her if your friendship is close enough. She really needs to talk about it right now without being judged.

Hi Paul, i had an opportunity to hear from someone who had an abortion and its true its very depressing and if she is not given enough support can sink further.she must be going through denial at the action she took,she might be regretting,she may be feeling a loss and also have alot of what if questions.you need to stand strong with her and assure her she must move on whats done is now in the past and she must pick up and go on.if she is a prayerful person she needs to ask God for forgiveness and then try and accept.she has to believe this is a learning experience though not always easy but it should make her wiser next time.the best thing just be there for her,let her cry out her pain and anguish and reassure her of your support.

maybe try to tell her the possible bad things to happen when she continue her pregnancy and the life of the baby. like the baby might suffer living in hatred, in puberty or in a lot way of sufferings! that's all i can think of that situation..

Im sorry to hear this and got the same case like yours with my ex-gf..you know we had been taking a precauion for that ,bu no work she got pregnant once,and very very sad depression during those days that i accompany with her till the abortion over. you donot know how much giult and regret i felt when i saw her in bitter .all what i can do is care her more much and make her happy and filled in with fun and careness. gradually time pssing by ,and she has my accomany ,no longer remember the terribleness till went for the prayer... from that we were had a lesson ,which tells us that some we can do but some we better never touch ..

Just stress that situations like the one she is going through happen to anyone. Those are the situations that bring out our guts and strengths out and she should take it as an opportunity to become stronger.

It is enough to be there with the person you meant to be a friend to. Sometimes we do not really need to talk or tell them anything. Knowing that our presence would be there for them when they need it, and when they know whatever it is that is bothering them, they are not alone in dealing with it. You can always show them, right?

Hello again there, friend! I think that the best advice that you can tell her is for her to forgive herself. She might be feeling guilty, which is normal. I am sure she is now sorry for what she has done. It may not have been a wise decision but it has gotten to the point that she needs to make a choice. Now, it is all over. The act has been done and no matter how much she would want to take things back, it is really impossible. So, just tell her that she just needs to go to a priest and confess her sins. That might help her feel better. And tell her that next time, when she feels that she is in a cross road, she should think of what is right, what would make her happy and if her decision would not affect anyone.

The best thing to do is to empathize in dealing with people who are in depression state. Be a good listener, try to encourage the person to talk. It will be nice to vent out the problem.